Britain's most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, believes the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games "starts a new era for the Commonwealth Games" as the event returns to Scotland 12 years after its last hosting in 2014.
The 19-time Paralympic champion will be part of TNT Sports' punditry team for the Games, where she will provide equal importance to para- and able-bodied events. Storey, who first competed in the Commonwealth Games back in 2002, says Glasgow "always puts on a fantastic show" and that there will be "incredible performances."
Storey has a deep understanding of the Games' evolution, having competed in the early days of pan-classification events and seeing the increased opportunities for para-athletes. She recalls her experience competing in the 2010 edition in Delhi, where she became the first para-cyclist to compete for England in the same competition against able-bodied cyclists.
The stripped-back nature of this year's event, with only 10 sports, has been much discussed. Storey is confident that this won't disadvantage the actual sport on offer, citing the fact that the finals will be full and that the field size won't feel smaller. She believes that the event's remodelling has provided an opportunity to integrate more para-athletes within the programme.
Storey is keen to stress that TNT's coverage will afford equal importance to para- and able-bodied events, with the same punditry teams. She says that viewers won't notice a difference, except for the classification names. The 30-time Paralympic medallist believes that the Commonwealth Games can serve as a blueprint for other major championships, with integration across all events providing opportunities for para-sport to be more visible.
The Games are back in Glasgow, which last hosted in 2014. Storey is confident that there is still a place for the Commonwealth Games in the calendar, providing a multi-sport environment to as many sports as possible in the interim between the Olympic and Paralympic Games years. She believes that the event can showcase the athletes who would be outside selection for an Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Commonwealth Games begin with an opening ceremony on Thursday. Storey is confident that the event will start a new era for the Commonwealth Games, providing a fresh start for the event after stepping in late to rescue it after the original host, Victoria, pulled out. The Games will be an opportunity to showcase the athletes and provide a stepping stone for them to break through into international teams.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be an exciting event, with incredible performances and a new era for the Commonwealth Games. Storey's enthusiasm is infectious, and she believes that the event will provide a platform for para-athletes to shine. The event will be a celebration of sport, with athletes from across the Commonwealth coming together to compete and showcase their talents.
The Commonwealth Games will continue with the opening ceremony on Thursday.
Source: Yahoo Sports